Thrift shopping is typically just associated with charity shops. However, below is a list of the many other options a thrifter can pick.
Charity shops:
These are the best-known method of thrift shopping.
There are 8 Barnardo shops across Edinburgh
In 2021, mystudenthalls.com ranked Edinburgh as one of the top charity shop destinations in the UK. The capital got fifth place and was the only Scottish city to achieve this. In other words, the city is screaming, go thrift! Are you going to follow?
There are 153 charity shops across the Scottish capital. Areas across the city with the most charity shops range from Newington and Stockbridge to Morningside. Common brands are the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam and Shelter Scotland.
2. Kilo sale
Although they are becoming increasingly popular, it is an event which is still widely unknown.
Shop Kilo was the first kilo sale in the UK
What are they?
They sell kg of vintage clothes for £15. Don’t pinch yourself, it is not a dream. Kilo stores are travelling sales that pop up for a day in different cities across the UK. Unlike charity shops, you’ll have to meet their schedule, rather than the thrift meeting yours.
You go round, put all the items you like in a bag, and at the end of your tour, you weigh it. Simple, cheap and cool. Fashion's four-leaf clover trio of the 21st century.
If you’re looking for a complete wardrobe change, kilo sales are the place to be at. Vintage clothes at an acceptable price: not even dating apps could make a better match.
What type of brands can you find?
Kilo sales tend to have from sports brands such as Adidas, Champion or Fila to more high-end designers like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste or Tommy Hilfiger.
When is the next one?
Host: Headlock Vintage
Date: Saturday, 21st May 2022
Location: St Columba's by the Castle Scottish Episcopal Church.
14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW
Time: 10AM - 5PM
Payment methods: Card
Click here for more information
3. Swap shops
Time to say goodbye to clothes and say hello to new items? Swap shops are your must-go-to.
'Your one stop shop for sustainable living!' - Zero Waste Hub in Edinburgh
How does it work?
First, take a deep breath and decide what items in your wardrobe have not felt a human touch in a good space of time. Throw your emotions and ‘what if's out of the window. If it’s been more than six months since you last wore it, that top belongs somewhere else. As the idiom says, ‘one’s trash is someone else's treasure’.
Second, pack your clothes, and go to your nearest swap shop. Some of them require you to be a member but don't worry it's an easy process. Once there, staff members will value your garments and give you tokens to change for in-store things.
Third, enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: There are certain items swap shops might not accept. For further information, contact your local store.
Where in Edinburgh?
Location: 22 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
Opening Times: 11AM - 6PM, Tuesday-Saturday
4. Special mention: Online thrift shops
Although we seem to be scrabbling out of the covid tunnel, it's ingrained in our social DNA. So, the thrifting net deserves an honourable mention.
Let’s face it, it’s not even COVID, sometimes our couch is calling for a day in, and we should respect that. Thankfully the thrifting market has adapted to our needs and wants, both locally and internationally.
Worldwide: ThredUP
It's the number one resale online store in the world. They’ve made it their mission to inspire a new generation to think secondhand first. Their brands range from Zara to Gucci.
UKbased: Vinted
Its app form is the most popular method. So if you’re on the go, this might be the one for you.
How does it work? Customers search for what they love, and then they contact the seller for any questions they have regarding the item - giving you that extra personal service, to ensure your clothes meet your needs!
ALSO - multiple charity shops have jumped on board the online boat. Stroll down the shops from the comfort of your bed.
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